Abstract: An outdoor toilet system is provided with a mechanism for agitating solid waste material accumulating in a collection container, to reduce the volume of material. The agitator mechanism has a linkage connected to the door of the enclosure in which the toilet is located, such that the agitator mechanism is operated each time the door is opened and closed. The agitator mechanism can be a mechanical agitator or an air jet mechanism.

Abstract: A mixing drum for a composting toilet has an auger for transporting mixed material from a back end of the mixing drum to the front end of the mixing drum in order to increase the residence time of material mixed in the drum. The auger is enclosed in an auger tube and the auger rotates about an axis which is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis for the mixing drum, about which the mixing drum itself rotates.

Abstract: An aerobic digestion toilet having a toilet bowl supported to discharge into a chamber with means for inducing a convection air flow through the toilet and a tiltable closure member for the toilet bowl outlet operable from adjacent the toilet seat and biased towards the closed position of the toilet bowl outlet and including means for moving deposited feces within the chamber operable in unison with the closure member designed in such a manner as to produce early separation of urine from the faeces.

Abstract: A waste decomposition system, having a container and an air circulation system integrated into the container. The air circulation system has a positive air pressure source; and a negative air pressure source. Also a method for decomposition of liquid and solid organic waste, including the steps of: (a) providing a container for collecting the waste; (b) forcing air through the waste with a positive air pressure source; (c) withdrawing air from the container with a negative air pressure source.

Abstract: A modified flush toilet adapted to process solid human waste into a recyclable product. The toilet has a bowl with a chamber under it for receiving the waste flushed thereinto. A rotatable filter disk is mounted in the chamber. This filter disk allows the liquid waste to pass through and retains the solid waste. An electric heater is provided to convert from time to time the solid waste accumulated onto the disk into dry granules which may be blown into a bag and subsequently used as a fertilizer. A heavy duty disposal unit may also be incorporated into the toilet to treat other bathroom and household waste. The unit communicates with the chamber through a pipe.

Abstract: A composting toilet comprising a housing having a seat disposed about an opening communicating with an aeration drum for receiving human waste matter. The drum is rotatably-mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis oriented horizontally inside the housing. A removable receptacle adapted to receive decomposed solid waste matter from the aeration drum for periodic removal from the toilet is also provided. The aeration drum has a narrow front end for receiving and discharging waste, and a wide rear end extending radially outwardly from the front end. The rear end has liquid outlets in fluid communication with the housing and a gas outlet is disposed opposite the liquid outlets to cause an airflow through the composting solid waste and for venting any gases which enter the aeration drum or are formed through decomposition inside the drum.

Abstract: A composting toilet comprising an outer shell with an attached toilet seat, a composting space adapted to the interior of the outer shell and a ventilation duct attached to the outer shell. The composting space is a rotatable drum, into which solid toilet waste is collected and further transferred therefrom into a collecting container, shaft, or similar storage. The attached toilet seat is able to conduct liquids separately from solid waste. The invention is implemented by a construction in which the outer drum is thermally insulated and, in conjunction with the inlet opening of the drum, to the interior of the outer shell, there is adapted a stationary wall having a ventilation hole, and the toilet seat able to conduct liquids separately from solid waste is adapted to the outer shell at the location of the wall, so as to allow solid waste entering via the toilet seat to fall through a hole in the wall directly onto the inside surface of the drum.

Abstract: A composting toilet includes a tank (1) that is mounted so as to be inclined and rotatable about its longitudinal axis of symmetry (x-x'), which axis forms with the horizontal plane an angle (.alpha.) at least equal to 15.degree.. The toilet includes a seat (22) having an associated discharge hole (23). The entire discharge hole (23) is located directly vertically above a receiving orifice (6) of the tank.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for composting feces and treating. Human feces is collected within a composting retainer and exposed to sufficient air and water to allow the feces to compost, thereby forming compost product. Urine is collected within an urine treatment retainer which is at least partially partitioned from the composting retainer and wherein the urine is passed through a substrate supporting aerobic nitrifying bacteria, thereby nitrifying a significant portion of the ammonium ions in the urine to form liquid product. The compost product is suitable for subsequent use, such as fertilizer or for use in forming a mixture with soil to form topsoil.

Abstract: A new portable system is disclosed for composting feces and for treating urine includes a composting retainer which includes a composting means for exposing the feces to sufficient air and water to allow the feces to compost, thereby forming a compost product. A urine-treatment retainer with aerobic nitrifying bacteria disposed on a substrate whereby urine is treated by the bacteria, thereby forming a liquid product. A means is available for transporting the portable system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composting device for toilet and foodstuff waste to be used in connection with a toilet. In the device according to the invention, the upper portion of a rotating compost container 6 provided with a filtering floor 9 is divided into four sections to keep apart compost materials of different degree of compositing. The compost container is positioned partialy within the toilet room so that the toilet seat 5 is positioned immediately or substantially immediately above the cover of the composting device. In this way, the natural aeration will not cause the smell of the compost material to enter the toilet room when the cover of the toilet is opened. In the composite container, the waste is aerated both from above and from below. The circulation of air is arranged to take place naturally so that it flows all the time upwards.

Abstract: A composting toilet disposes of quantities of liquid wastes by providing ingress and egress means for air into and from a housing for the wastes. Within the housing is means for conducting the air into the path of liquid waste being sprayed, to entrain or evaporate such waste into the air and pass it from the housing.

Abstract: The waste material holding tank located within a portable, outdoor toilet cabana is vented to atmosphere by a vent pipe extending upwardly from the tank to the roof of the toilet cabana. A small, electrical blower fan is mounted upon the upper, open end of the vent pipe for sucking air from the holding tank and blowing the air to outside atmosphere. A solar energy panel is mounted upon the roof of the cabana near the fan and is electrically connected to the fan. The panel generates electrical energy in response to a predetermined level of sunlight for electrically energizing the fan. Thus, the fan circulates air through the holding tank during the items that the sun is shining upon the cabana, to reduce the solar heat build-up in the holding tank for reducing the generation of noxious odors caused by heat induced reactions in the waste material in the tank.

Abstract: A waterless sanitation system with ventilation. A toilet within a building is located over a pit having a solids holding basket suspendedly mounted within a liquids holding tank. A plurality of air inlet pipes extend externally of the building downwardly through the basket and into the liquids holding tank with a plurality of apertures provided on the pipes allowing the air to enter both the basket and tank. An exit pipe extends upwardly from the tank through the basket and through the roof of the building. A plurality of apertures in the exit pipe allow the gas within the tank and basket to escape. An exhaust fan is provided to pull the air downwardly through the inlet pipes and the gas outwardly through the exhaust pipe. The inlet pipes have mouths oriented to catch the wind assisting the flow of air.

Abstract: The bioconverter includes a collecting vessel having a plurality of stirring shafts rotatably mounted therein, each of which is driven by a separate electric motor. Adjacent shafts operate in opposite directions and stirring arms are oriented relative to each shaft moving the carrier mixture within the vessel which is in close proximity to a shaft in opposite directions along adjacent shafts. A moisture sensing device is adapted to be located below the level of the carrier mixture within the vessel for sensing the percentage moisture content of the mixture and waste material added thereto. A first fan is provided for exhausting the air from the vessel and a second fan is provided for moving the air over the surface of the mixture within the vessel. A first heating coil is located on the bottom of the vessel for heating the mixture within the vessel, and a second heating coil is provided adjacent the second fan for heating the air which is blown over the upper surface of the mixture within the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating waste, particularly household waste, by means of composting. The waste is collected in a generally known fashion into the collecting bowl (1), wherefrom they are immediately moved on the spiral conveyor (21) into the mixing drum (5), which is set into rotating motion by means of the actuator (12). Inside the mixing drum (5) there is arranged an amount of such medium substance which is formed of separate plastic or steel bullets, onto the surface whereof the waste sticks during mixing. In connection to the mixing drum (5) there is arranged the discharge space (9), which is provided with separator means (10) for separating the composted waste or soil. The compost soil is continuously moved out of the discharge space (9) and further into a bag or the equivalent. A partial feedback of the soil is arranged from the discharge space (9) back into the collecting bowl.

Abstract: A compost toilet apparatus is disclosed, in which a box-like container for reserving raw sewage is divided into a fermentative chamber and a reservoir chamber, additives such as beet moss are dumped into the raw sewage reserved in the container so that the mixture of the additives and raw sewage is subjected to aerobic fermentation by a stirring unit and a blower, and the water content in the raw sewage is evaporated by the fermentative heat to produce an approximately granular mixture. The mixture is reserved in the reservoir chamber, while germs, parasites or the like in the container are killed by the fermentative heat. As a result, the raw sewage can be simply hygienically disposed.

Abstract: A biological decomposition toilet automatically controls stirring of the mixture of organic waste and activating material as a function of the moisture content of the mixture. Rather than sensing mixture moisture content as a function of water vapor pressure above the mixture, the moisture sensor is disposed below the surface of the mixture, either in a specially-formed recess in the toilet wall or directly immersed in the mixture. A heater is disposed near the air inlet opening and is energized when the sensed moisture is above an exceedingly high moisture level so as to evaporate moisture from the incoming air. The stirrer mechanism includes plural motors and respective parallel spaced drive shafts having radial mixing prongs spaced longitudinally and axially along each shaft. Adjacent shafts are rotated in opposite directions. The prongs of any one shaft have equal lengths, but the prongs of adjacent shafts are of different lengths to encourage a serpentine circulation path for the mixture during stirring.

Abstract: The bioconverter includes a collecting vessel having a plurality of stirring shafts rotatably mounted therein, each of which is driven by a separate electric motor. Adjacent shafts operate in opposite directions and stirring arms are oriented relative to each shaft moving the carrier mixture within the vessel which is in close proximity to a shaft in opposite directions along adjacent shafts. A moisture sensing device is adapted to be located below the level of the carrier mixture within the vessel for sensing the percentage moisture content of the mixture and waste material added thereto. A first fan is provided for exhausting the air from the vessel and a second fan is provided for moving the air over the surface of the mixture within the vessel. A first heating coil is located on the bottom of the vessel for heating the mixture within the vessel, and a second heating coil is provided adjacent the second fan for heating the air which is blown over the upper surface of the mixture within the vessel.

Abstract: There is an emptying opening (18) at a given height on one side of the bottom (29) of the composting chamber (20) in a decomposition latrine with a rotatable stirring means (26a). In normal stirring, the means rotates for moving material away from the opening, and in emptying, the direction of rotation is reversed so that material may be discharged through the opening. The stirring means comprises six to twelve stirring members in the form of flat, bar-like members (50) extending between the end walls (11, 34) of the chamber (20).

Abstract: A biological toilet and an organic material recycling method in which human liquid and solid waste (i.e., excrement) and cellulosic material and, optionally, kitchen waste (i.e., food and paper scraps and the like kitchen garbage) are deposited into a receptacle and carried by pressure differential into a recycling or composting container wherein, by the application of environmental factors, including moisture, air, warmth and certain bacteria and worms (such as Eisenia Foetida, the red worm) and other wormlike organisms, the organic material is composted or digested and reacted upon to produce a pleasant smelling, uniform, well granulated substantially neutral, active, compost-like plant nutritional material available for easy distribution.

Abstract: An improved waterless toilet for aerobic biological transformation of organic waste material is disclosed. The toilet is located at a position remote from a compartment wherein waste material is aerobically transformed. The toilet is connected to the compartment by a conduit. Organic waste is deposited into the toilet and a subsequently applied vacuum aids in the transporting of the waste material through the conduit to the compartment. Prior to depositing organic waste material into the toilet, a cup-shaped paper wrapping means is inserted into the toilet. Thereafter the vacuum is applied to the paper wrapping means and waste material to cause the paper wrapping to close around the waste material as it enters the conduit. Utilizing paper wrapping means, the toilet is protected from soiling by the organic waste material when it is deposited in the toilet.

Abstract: A decomposition latrine has a chamber (20) in which decomposable material (27) is heated with the help of a heat source (28) to a temperature in the range of 45.degree.-80.degree. C., the attainment of a rapid thermophilic decomposition process with simultaneous pasteurization of the material thus being enabled before the material is removed from the chamber. The pasteurized portion of the mass is movable away from the region at the heat source with the help of a stirrer (26), rotatable by means of an electric motor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to toilets of the kind which incorporate a waste-receiving tank or chamber in which decomposition of waste material takes place. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toilet includes an air-manifold assembly upon which waste material collects and which receives heated air for removing moisture from the waste material by evaporation, and perforate baffle means which define air spaces laterally of the mass of waste material, into which heated air can pass for improving efficiency of moisture evaporation. A fan unit is provided for circulating heated air through the air manifold assembly and is readily removable from externally of the toilet housing for facilitating servicing of the toilet.

Abstract: A biological toilet and an organic material recycling method in which human liquid and solid waste (i.e., excrement) and cellulosic material and, optionally, kitchen waste (i.e., food and paper scraps and the like kitchen garbage) are deposited into a receptacle and carried by pressure differential into a recycling or composting container wherein, by the application of environmental factors, including moisture, air, warmth and certain bacteria and worms (such as Eisenia Foetida, the red worm) and other wormlike organisms, the organic material is composted or digested and reacted upon to produce a pleasant smelling, uniform, well granulated substantially neutral, active, compost-like plant nutritional material available for easy distribution.

Abstract: A self-contained, closed system, aerobic sewage treatment system designed for use in a house or in mobile situations such as a boat, plane, bus, train, etc. comprising a housing with a toilet and a main digestion tank and a series of secondary digestion tanks below the toilet. An air diffusor, an aeration deflector and a quiescent zone are disposed in the majority of the digestive tanks to promote the rapid digestion of the organic waste deposited therein. The final digestion tank which receives the substantially organically pure water from the system has a pump to recirculate some of the water to rinse the toilet bowl after use.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a continuous bioconverter or dry closet and method capable of aerobically and bacteriologically converting human and other organic wastes to principally carbon dioxide and water vapor. The closet comprises a collecting vessel containing a medium suitable for supporting aerobic decomposition. In accordance with the invention, the decomposition is a substantially total conversion of organic wastes to gases. In a preferred embodiment in the closet are two parallel shafts, each supporting a rotationally mounted pair of opposing auger-type blades (see FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) which provide a most efficient stirring action, resulting in a complete and continuous aeration (oxidation) of the aerobic bacteria in the chemically reactive organic mixture.

Abstract: A compost-type toilet which includes: a solid-liquid separating means which also serves as a means for transferring the solid component of excrement mounted below the opening of a bowl; a means for treating the liquid component of excrement provided beneath the solid-liquid separating means. The liquid component treating means contains various kinds of adsorbent materials capable of adsorbing the liquid component separated by the above mentioned solid-liquid separating means and the inner structure is so constructed as to enhance the air ventilation to vaporize or volatilize the liquid component adsorbed with the adsorbent materials; a means for treating the solid component of excrement is provided in a position adjacent to the solid-liquid separating means in the transferring direction to the solid component separated by the above mentioned solid-liquid separating means.

Abstract: A toilet for biological degradation of excrement comprises a collecting vessel for excrement and for material suitable for the degradation thereof and a container for receiving a mixture of excrement and material discharged from the collecting vessel. The mixing and the discharge of the excrement and material are performed by a cultivator rotationally supported in the collecting vessel. The cultivator consists of a wire construction running continuously between two opposed walls of the collecting vessel and preferably being manufactured in one single piece.

Abstract: A combination of a biological dry toilet and a biological waste water purifying plant. The combination comprises a tank for composting waste, a means for change of air in the tank, and a sludge sedimentation tank. A biofilter is provided through which the water to be purified is circulated. The combination comprises in addition a means for change of air in the biolfilter, a means for circulating the water to be purified in the biofilter, a means for removing the purified water from the sludge sedimentation tank, a means for removing the sludge from the lower part of the sedimentation tank, a means for feeding the water to be purified through the dry toilet, and a means for mechanically purifying said water in the dry toilet. An equalizing basin is included in the waste water purifying plant, the dry toilet being at least partly submerged in said basin.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to toilets of the kind which incorporate a waste-receiving tank or chamber in which decomposition of waste material takes place. According to one aspect of the invention, the toilet includes an air-manifold assembly upon which waste material collects and which receives heated air for removing moisture from the waste material by evaporation. Another aspect of the invention provides perforate baffle means in a waste material receiving chamber of the toilet which define air spaces laterally of the mass of waste material into which heated air can pass for improving efficiency of moisture evaporation. According to a still further aspect of the invention the toilet includes a fan unit which is readily removable from externally of the toilet housing for facilitating servicing of the toilet.

Abstract: A system providing for the temperature and humidity controlled aerobic composting of organic materials is described. The system includes at least one composting chamber, at least one thermal mass, ducts for conveying air from the vicinity of the thermal mass to a composting chamber, at least one solar glazing panel for providing heat to a thermal mass, and an air intake port for providing air in the vicinity of a thermal mass.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for treating waste matter in aerobic digestion apparatuses, such as closets. In the method a frother means is disposed in the circulation path of the liquid between the pump and the receptacle means, the frother means being arranged to convert a portion of the liquid to froth for the purposes of accommodating matter particles in the wall of the froth bubbles, the froth being at least to a certain extent supplied to the aerobic digestion compartment.

Abstract: An improved composting toilet comprising a casing member having therein a waste pile platform with means for the entry of heated air therein and vent means therefrom, incorporating an air bypass tube for passage of air from below the waste pile platform and for improved circulation for the enhancement of aerobic decomposition activity and improved evaporation charcteristics.

Abstract: A lavatory bench, or toilet, in which solid wastes are collected and biologically decomposed. The bench comprises a container beneath the seat and near the top of the container is a rotary member to which material is supplied and which, while rotating, distributes the material within the container. The container is advantageously heated. A casing is provided which supports the seat and which surrounds the container and from which there leads a lead stack, or outlet pipe. The rotation of the aforesaid member causes air circulation within the device and promotes the movement of air out through the outlet pipe. The rotatable member near the top of the container also serves the function of shutting off the inside of the container from view.

Abstract: An arrangement for mouldering organic waste material is disclosed, comprising a container in which an inclined path is provided along which waste material supplied to the container may slide under the action of gravity while undergoing a mouldering process. Liquid conducting means are provided to conduct urine and other liquid, which is supplied to the container separated from other waste material, to a region within the container located adjacent to the highest portion of the inclined path.